Janna Ireland on the Architectural Legacy of Paul Revere Williams in Nevada

Organized by the Nevada Museum of Art and hosted by the Nevada State Museum, this exhibition features the contemporary photography of Janna Ireland, who explores the important contributions of architect Paul R. Williams (1894-1980) in Nevada. Williams was the first licensed African American architect to work in the western region of the United States, designing buildings from the 1920s through the 1970s. His work in Nevada spans from the 1930s through the 1970s. The exhibition opened at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno on July 2, 2022.

Paul Revere Williams’ architectural contributions collectively helped to redefine the built environment of the region. Some of his most iconic structures are in Southern California, and include the Music Corporation of America headquarters, and the renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel; he was also deeply involved in the design of the master plan for the LAX Airport in association with William L. Pereira and Associates. Williams’ unique architectural creations earned him the name “Architect of the Stars,” as he also designed the homes of twentieth-century entertainers, some of which include Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant.